Maple Ridge Alliance Church

Maple Ridge Alliance Church is a local church that provides spiritual connection within our community. Along with regular church service, they offer programs to children, youth, young adults, and adults.

Martijn, a Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) student, has the opportunity this summer to assist with the vacation bible schools. He is working with the pastor of Maple Ridge Alliance Church to do the preparation work to plan for the week long day camps geared towards youth in grades 7 to 12. This work includes planning skits and talks, helping to organize volunteers and their training, and helping to facilitate the camp itself. He spoke to the learning curve he has experienced so far and “all these little piece that you don’t think of when you show up to an event” that he has the opportunity to manage. This has given Martijn the ability to strengthen his people skills, theological skills, study skills, and has opened his eyes to the details and hard work that goes into planning an event. Martijn is getting real life experience that will then translate into his future goals of being a pastor himself.

Previously Martijn has done volunteer work and he explained the attitude shift that happens when transitioning into a paid job position. “I am getting paid for this, I am responsible for this” he shared while demonstrating that he embraces the responsibility that comes with his internship. He knows that he is in a leadership position and he is more than willing to take advantage of this opportunity.

Thank you for the visit Martijn. It is great to see students like yourself who are willing to take initiative and fulfill a leadership role within our community!